An earthquake measuring 4.5 on the open-ended Richter scale jolted the southwestern Turkish province of Denizli on Tuesday, sending panick-stricken residents fleeing from their homes and offices.

"The quake had its epicenter in Denizli (the province's main city) and lasted for some 15 to 20 seconds," governor Yusuf Ziya Goksu told NTV television. "There were no casualties or material damage," he added.

The quake, which struck at 1220 GMT, was felt throughout the province and led to the disruption of phone lines and damaged the roofs of some houses in two towns, the Anatolia news agency said. (Albawaba.com)